Outdoor Vitals
3 Secrets To Sleeping Better Outdoors
Camping Doesn't Mean Discomfort Anymore
If you’ve ever “slept” in the backcountry and woke up feeling more wrecked than rested—this is for you.
Because here’s the truth most backpackers & campers never hear:
Most people are doing it wrong.
And it’s not their fault.
They’re bringing the wrong gear. Trusting the wrong advice.
And worst of all… they’re ignoring their most important recovery tool.
Sleep.
Poor Sleep - It's NOT Part Of "Roughing It"
The outdoors should be rejuvenating.
Disconnecting to spend time outside is meant to be helpful physically, emotionally, & mentally.
But WITHOUT these 3 secrets, your time outdoors may look like this:
You hike all day. Climb steep grades. Haul a pack. Burn thousands of calories.
But when night hits?
- You toss.
- You shift.
- You wake up 8 times trying to get comfortable.
Why? Because you’re still trying to “rough it.”
That old mindset is killing your recovery AND your drive to go camping again...
"Now more than ever, things keep us from getting outside, yet now more than ever, we need to get outside."
-Tayson, Founder of Outdoor Vitals
Secret #1: Use A Camping Pillow (Yes, Really)
Real Hikers Bring Pillows - Just Better Ones
You might think rolling up your jacket or using a stuff sack is “good enough.”
But here’s the hard truth:
Every night you skip a real pillow, your body pays for it.
Your neck is unsupported. Your spine misaligned. Your REM sleep gets broken by micro-adjustments all night.
And you wake up more tired, more sore, and more frustrated.
This is the most overlooked part of the sleep system—and it has the biggest impact on actual rest.
Secret #2: Understand Sleeping Bag Comfort Ratings
"20 Degrees" Doesn't Mean The Same Thing To Everyone
Most sleeping bags lie to you.
Well… not intentionally. But they’re often misunderstood.
When a bag says it’s rated to 20°F, it doesn’t ALWAYS mean you’ll be comfortable at 20°F.
SOME ratings mean you’ll survive—not sleep soundly.
That number is typically the lower limit, not the comfort rating.
So if you’re shivering and layering up inside your “20-degree bag” at 35°, it’s not your fault—it’s the rating system.
What to do:
Secret #3: You MUST Have An Insulated Sleeping Pad
The Best Sleeping Bag In The World Can't Fix This For You...
Your sleeping bag can’t save you if you’re bleeding heat into the ground all night.
Here’s what most campers don’t realize:
The cold you feel at 2 a.m. isn’t air—it’s coming from below.
The ground pulls heat from your body like a sponge.
And if your pad isn’t insulated (or rated for the temps), it doesn’t matter how expensive your bag is—you’re going to freeze.
This one mistake ruins more nights outdoors than anything else.
What to do:
Bottom Line
Getting a full night of quality sleep outdoors isn’t about luck—it’s about having the right system in place.
If you’re constantly waking up cold, uncomfortable, or unrested, chances are one of these three pieces is missing or misunderstood:
- An insulated sleeping pad to block heat loss from the ground
- A sleeping bag with an accurate comfort rating (not just a survival temp)
- And yes—a real camping pillow that supports your head and neck through the night
Dialing in these three components can make the difference between a frustrating night and a fully recharged morning on trail.
If better sleep is on your checklist this season, these 3 areas are the easiest place to start.
Sleep well. Hike farther. Enjoy more